Matt Le Tissier made a return to his playing days by turning out for Guernsey, but was unable to stop his side losing 4-2 at Colliers Wood.

The Southampton legend, 44, came off the bench in the second half after signing playing forms at the club where he is honorary president, to help with their incredible fixture list which sees the club in the middle of 20 games in 36 days.

Fit for purpose: Matt Le Tissier was unable to prevent Guernsey FC losing at Colliers Wood on his debut

Still got it: Le Tissier was back in action at the tender age of 44 years old

Rusty Le Tissier tries a trademark volley after chesting the ball down

It's the first time Le Tissier has played in an official game since 2002, when he retired after playing his entire career for the Saints.

Le Tissier made over 500 appearances in all competitions for the south-coast club, and won eight England caps.

Many fans feel he should have represented his country more times, having watched his incredible skills, passing and long-range screamers in the 1990s.

He is currently juggling turning out for Guernsey with being a pundit and co-commentator for Sky Sports.

Different class: Le Tissier wowed fans with his technique for Southampton throughout his 14 years at the club

The bootroom: Survival It's all about nerve now… and Stoke, Norwich and Newcastle must keep theirs

By
Martin Keown

PUBLISHED:

21:30 GMT, 5 April 2013

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UPDATED:

22:57 GMT, 5 April 2013

Taking it easy: Jocky Wilson relaxes away from the pressures of the oche

The late, great darts legend Jocky Wilson used to recount how pressure could reach out and grab him by the throat. Once that happened, he could do nothing.

Stoke, Norwich and Newcastle must make sure that the same thing doesn’t happen to them this weekend.

They are the teams in 13th, 14th and 15th places in the Barclays Premier League, just a few points above the drop zone and all with very winnable home games this weekend.

Stoke, with one win in 12, are at home to Aston Villa. Norwich have won one in 14 and face out-of-sorts Swansea. Newcastle, after returning from Lisbon, hope a fourth successive home win — against Fulham — can pull them clear of danger.

It’s easy to look at those sides and say they’ll be fine but why should they be The bottom of the table is as close as I can remember and if you are one of those teams, you will be nervous.

All these teams are probably a win away from safety. If you can put daylight between you and the bottom three quickly, it’s fine. If you don’t, that win you need becomes harder to come by.

This weekend, Stoke manager Tony Pulis, Chris Hughton at Norwich and Alan Pardew at Newcastle will have pencilled in must-win matches. Of their respective opponents, Villa are deep in trouble, Swansea have lost three in a row while Fulham are safe and have little to play for.

Such is Villa’s and Wigan’s fighting spirit that they are pulling the teams above them into the relegation battle. They worried Sunderland so much that they sacked Martin O’Neill. But all the teams up to and including Southampton will be a bit nervous.

Stoke, more than anyone, might have the outcome of the relegation battle in their hands. After Villa, they play Norwich, QPR, Sunderland and Southampton before the end of the season. Last week against Everton they were poor, Peter Crouch and Cameron Jerome especially.

Out of sorts: Stoke lost at Everton last weekend (above), while Newcastle were thumped by Manchester City (below left) and Norwich were beaten by Wigan (below right)

It doesn’t look like Stoke’s players are responding to Pulis as much as they used to and they have failed to evolve as a team. Their passing and style should be better after so many years in the Premier League. And there is the added uncertainty over Pulis’s future, which cannot be helping the players. I didn’t like hearing him talk this week about how many points will be needed to stay up. The focus should be on improving the team, not counting the points and fixtures.

We did that when I was relegated with Aston Villa and it cost us. You must not become obsessed with each and every scenario.

But Pulis is a fighter and has done remarkably well at that club overall. I’m confident he’ll keep them up, even if they have regressed this season.

Norwich hardly concede but they hardly score either. And after losing at Wigan last weekend, the pressure is on a little bit. When you lose to a team below you, it can give you the impression that they are better than you. It will not have inspired confidence. Three wins on the trot against Swansea will give them some belief that they can claim three vital points.

For Stoke and Norwich, staying up is their main aim. Anything after that is a bonus. For Newcastle it is slightly different, although people are realising now just how much they overachieved last season.The Europa League has not helped them but they haven’t won a trophy for 44 years so they need to take it seriously. It’s just vital that their league form doesn’t dip any more or the situation will snowball.

Suarez waiting to hear from FIFA over potential punishment for punching Jara

By
Dominic King

PUBLISHED:

22:49 GMT, 27 March 2013

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UPDATED:

23:32 GMT, 27 March 2013

FIFA will decide whether to punish Luis Suarez once they have received the referee's report from Uruguay's clash with Chile.

The Liverpool striker was caught on television throwing a punch at Chile's Gonzalo Jara but Nestor Pitana, the match official, took no action, having spoken with the pair after they had jostled at a corner.

If found guilty of violent conduct, Suarez would face a suspension but FIFA will not make any decisions until they have received all the necessary paperwork.

A FIFA spokesman said: 'We are still collecting all the post-match reports, as the referees have 24 hours to file them. Based on the mentioned reports, FIFA will then act accordingly.'

Suarez is already facing an international suspension after he was booked late in the game against Chile for dissent. He will miss Urugay's next qualifier against Venezuela in June, which works in Liverpool's favour as he will be able to have a proper break before pre-season training in July.

Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher has underlined the importance of Liverpool's final nine games in the Barclays Premier League when he said the club 'needs' European football to preserve their reputation.

We need this: Jamie Carragher (right) says Liverpool must regain European football

Carragher, who is fit for Sunday's trip to Aston Villa after missing the 3-1 defeat at Southampton with a calf problem, said: 'Liverpool is synonymous with European football. We are a big name in European football and we always need to be there.

'The manager (Brendan Rodgers) will have been brooding since the defeat at Southampton and this game at Villa is very important.'

Lambert 'over the moon' after agreeing new two-year deal with Southampton

By
Simon Peach, Press Association

PUBLISHED:

18:40 GMT, 21 March 2013

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UPDATED:

23:47 GMT, 21 March 2013

Southampton striker Rickie Lambert has extended his stay at the club until 2016.

The 31-year-old has established himself as a firm fans' favourite at St Mary's since joining from Bristol Rovers in August 2009.

Lambert has scored 101 goals for Southampton and his 13-goal haul this season makes him the top English scorer in the Barclays Premier League.

Delight: Rickie Lambert was 'over the moon' to agree a fresh deal with Southampton

The striker's contract had been due to expire at the end of next season but has now been extended by a further two years.

'I'm over the moon to sign with Southampton for another three years,' Lambert told the club's official website.

'I am already enjoying myself massively at this club and the aim now is to stay on for another three years and help push the club on further than where it already is.

'There is a lot of ambition in this club for the next few years and that is one of the main reasons that I have signed the contract – and that is why I want to end my career here.

'The core of players who have been together for two or three years are going to be here for another three or four years and that is a really good feeling.

'We all have the same ambition and [executive chairman] Nicola Cortese's ambition for this club drives us all on as well, so it really helps the club with where we are now and it will help with where we want to go.'

Lambert's contract extension follows recent new deals handed to Morgan Schneiderlin, Jason Puncheon and Kelvin Davis – others to have played a key part in Southampton's rise from npower League One to the top flight.

'Rickie Lambert is a very special player for Southampton Football Club,' Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino said.

Goal scorer: Lambert's strike against Liverpool on Saturday was his 13th in the Premier League this season

He added: 'To have scored over 100 goals is a remarkable achievement, and one which he has made possible thanks to hard work and dedication.

'In my time at the club I have been impressed by his mentality and commitment to improving himself in training – attributes that have allowed him to adapt to the Premier League so well.

'I am delighted that Rickie has committed himself to the club for a further three years, and have no doubts that he will continue to deliver for Southampton as we look to push on to the next level.'

Suarez’s future at Anfield has made headlines this morning after it was reported he would be willing to talk with other clubs following an interview in his native Uruguay.

Ayre has, however, played down any notion the striker may be about to leave the Reds after signing a four-year deal last August.

VIDEO: SCROLL DOWN TO WATCH THE LATEST LUIS SUAREZ NEWS

Club and country: Suarez (left) in Uruguay training under pressure from Liverpool teammate Sebastian Coates

Shaping up: Suarez admitted he would consider a summer move to a club in the Champions League

'You can read into the comments – it was given in his native language so I think maybe it was a bit lost in translation,' Ayre told BBC Radio Five Live.

'We’ve been consistent with Luis. Last summer he signed a new four-year contract and we have no desire to sell Luis. He is a fantastic player and a great contributor to our team.

'We’ve been very honest with him and he’s been very honest with us.Suarez is under contract at Anfield until 2017, but in the interview hinted he could be tempted by a big-money move at the end of the season.

Disappointing: Suarez played in Liverpool's 3-1 defeat by struggling Southampton on Saturday

'I am very happy at Liverpool but you
never know in football,' Suarez said ahead of his international side's
World Cup qualifier with Paraguay, as reported in the Liverpool Echo.

'If another team comes around with
more prospects of competing in international club competition games,
which is willing to have me, they are welcome.

'We would talk to the club, we would see if I want to go, if I don’t want to go.'

Philosophy: Manager Brendan Rodgers has tried to implement his possession-based style at Liverpool

However, Suarez also recognised
Liverpool's strengths, including manager Brendan Rodgers' footballing
philosophy, which he hopes to see propel the club further next year.

Rodgers won plaudits for his Swansea
side's passing style last season, and has attempted to implement the
same structure at Anfield.

'A player’s ambition is always there, the ambition of wanting to play in elite teams is always there,' said Suarez.

'I’m in a world-class team, an elite team like Liverpool.

'We have to realise we have a new
manager who is imposing a philosophy and a way of playing that the
players are adapting to as best we can.

Poyet in contention for Reading job as they eye new boss for Premier League survival bid

By
Sam Cunningham

PUBLISHED:

19:24 GMT, 12 March 2013

|

UPDATED:

20:32 GMT, 12 March 2013

Gus Poyet has emerged as a contender for the vacant manager job at Reading following Brian McDermott's sacking.

The Brighton boss is chasing a Championship play-off spot and Reading would only be keen on a move for the Uruguayan if they could agree a financial deal to bring him to the club swiftly, as they look for someone to keep them in the Premier League.

A source close to Poyet said he would be keen on a move closer to London but added he is happy at Brighton and would only consider taking the job if he was part of a long-term project.

Contender: Gus Poyet is keen on the Reading job

McDermott has left the country with a friend to reflect on the last couple of days after he was left devastated by the decision to sack him.

Paolo Di Canio was installed as an early bookies favourite and is known to want the post and the chance to manage a Premier League club. Roberto Di Matteo is also a candidate, but sources close to the former Chelsea manager say he is not interested.

And Nigel Adkins, who is not currently in charge at a club after he was sacked by Southampton, is under consideration.

An Italian's job Roberto Di Matteo is understood not to be keen on the job but Paolo Di Canio is

Reading announced yesterday that owner Anton Zingarevich said it was the 'hardest decision of his life' to sack McDermott but that 'he and Brian remain on good terms after meeting in person on Monday.'

Zingarevich and Eamonn Dolan, head of the club's academy who has been brought in as caretaker manager, met with first team players and staff at their Hogwood Park training ground yesterday.

End of the road: Brian McDermott was sacked by Reading on Monday

Dolan also held a series of meetings throughout the day ahead of their Premier League match against Manchester United on Saturday, where he is expected to take charge. First team coaches Nigel Gibbs and Yannis Anastasiou have also both left the club.

Following the game against United there is a two-week gap before their next fixture away to Arsenal, and Reading are yet to formally approach any potential candidates.

I'm loving it! Norwich ace Snodgrass is back on song… after giving the boot to Big Macs

PUBLISHED:

14:34 GMT, 8 March 2013

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UPDATED:

17:54 GMT, 8 March 2013

Bad diet: The famous Big Mac

Robert Snodgrass says he feels like a machine after putting his bad diet and lazy training days behind him.

The Norwich winger used to enjoy a pre-match McDonald's as a youngster in Livingston, but accepts today what you fuel up on can have a major impact on performance on the pitch.

'I have learned off each nutritionist or fitness coach how to get your body in the best possible shape for match-days, because that is what managers want.'

Mean machine: Robert Snodgrass feels his fitness has helped his performances

Feast: The Norwich midfielder used to enjoy a pre-match McDonald's

'This Premier League is about high-energy and athletes. It is about preparing yourself from Monday to Saturday so you can be in as good a shape as possible, mentally and physically for a game.

'Sometimes you are just like a machine – you need to eat the right things and take care of your body, on and off the park, especially as the game is so physical now, and as an individual I do that.

'We have got a great nutrition and fitness side of things and that is why people have noticed this season that Norwich do work very, very hard.'

Snodgrass and the rest of the Canaries come up against Southampton on Saturday knowing a win well edge them closer to securing their Barclays Premier League status.

The Scotland midfielder, signed from Leeds in the summer, has provided a good link-up between defence and attack for Chris Hughton’s men, who will be out to make it back-to-back home wins and put last weekend’s 4-0 defeat at Manchester United out of their system.

And the 25-year-old is happy to put another 90 minutes of hard graft in up and down the flanks if it means Norwich get the result at full-time.

Stuck in: Snodgrass' defensive game has improved since moving to Norwich

Relegation battle: Norwich will take on Southampton on Saturday

'The fitness coaches show you your numbers, and as an individual you try to beat that each week, so with me running six or seven miles, it is about trying to help the team,' said Snodgrass, who has been called up for Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Wales.

'People can speak about it taking individuals to win games, but if those individuals are not on their day, then you look for a team (effort) to pull you through – maybe Sebastien Bassong or Michael Turner flicking one in on 94 minutes to keep us in this league.

'We know what it takes as players and as a team – the most important thing is we get the three points and everyone as a club pulls in the right direction.'

'I won't turn up even if Tony Bennett's there!' Redknapp will have birthday blues if QPR lose relegation clash

By
Sam Cunningham

PUBLISHED:

13:16 GMT, 1 March 2013

|

UPDATED:

22:17 GMT, 1 March 2013

Harry Redknapp has told his wife Sandra not to bother putting on any birthday celebrations if QPR lose at Southampton on Saturday.

Redknapp turns 66 on Saturday and shares a birthday with his counterpart Mauricio Pochettino, who will be 41.

A win for either manager will be huge in the race to avoid relegation, but is more important to QPR who are already seven points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table.

Scroll down to sing along with Harry

Birthday blues: Harry Redknapp won't celebrate his 66th birthday if his QPR side lose to Southampton

And Redknapp, who enjoyed an early piece of birthday cake in his pre-match press conference, said: 'My whole weekend revolves around the match.

'To be honest my wife could make arrangements tomorrow night to bring Tony Bennett, who I absolutely love, over and I wouldn't turn up if we got beat.

'I'm no use to anybody. My whole weekend will revolve around how the game goes tomorrow. I'll be no use to anybody if it doesn't go well.

'She wouldn't even bother to arrange anything if I come home and it hasn't gone well. It wouldn't be worth me bothering.'

He recalled a birthday evening in Birmingham in 1997 with his wife that followed a 1-0 loss to Leeds when he was West Ham manager. ‘

'We booked a lovely restaurant,' Redknapp remembered. 'She said it was the most miserable night of her life. I can’t help myself, it’s pathetic really.

'Mark, my other son, was there with his girlfriend. She must have thought: “what a barrel of fun he is!” Like that geezer off the TV, Victor Meldrew. I can’t snap out of it, I can’t help it.'

Redknapp
has been warned he faces a torrent of abuse from Southampton fans when
he returns to St Mary's for the first time since he left the club to
return to bitter rivals Portsmouth.

Hoping for a happy return: Redknapp goes back to Southampton for the first time since taking them down in 2005 – and on his birthday, too

He added: 'I'll get a bit of grief but what can you do It's no problem. They're not bad people, Southampton supporters. They're good supporters.

'They'll give me a bit of grief but that's life. I won't lose any sleep over it, the only thing I'll lose sleep over is if the result is bad.'

The two managers may share a birthday, but they are at different ends of the managerial timeline.

Redknapp has managed six different clubs, is creeping towards the end and has almost 30 years in management to draw on to keep QPR up.

Pochettino is at only his second club and heading into his fifth year as a manager. But when asked if he would rather be more experienced, or heading freshly into the managerial game like his counterpart, Redknapp replied: ‘No, I’ d rather be 25 years younger, although only if my missus was 25 years younger.

‘I’d love to be coming into management now at 35 or 36, starting out at Bournemouth again. I feel great. The heart is good and there is no problem. I feel well and not like I am 66.

‘I don’t think I act like a 66-yearold. I feel about 30. I feel fantastic and not any different.’

If Redknapp pulls off a remarkable escape and keeps QPR up, he could have us all repeating Meldrew’s famous catchphrase: ‘I don’t believe it.’

Crooner: Redknapp would ditch birthday celebrations even if favourite singer Tony Bennett was to appear

If you're not willing to fight, then you're out! Mancini fires warning to City players after losing ground on United

By
Martin Ziegler, Press Association

PUBLISHED:

11:08 GMT, 11 February 2013

|

UPDATED:

11:22 GMT, 11 February 2013

Roberto Mancini is ready to wield the axe on his Manchester City squad and has warned his players he will only pick those who are ready to fight every inch of the way for the rest of the season.

Mancini was furious at the limp manner of City's 3-1 defeat at Southampton at the weekend which now leaves the reigning champions 12 points behind leaders Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League with 12 games left.

Mancini said he will make significant changes for the FA Cup fifth-round visit of Leeds on Sunday.

Thumbs up: Roberto Mancini put his disappointment to one side whilst watching Sampdoria take on Roma

He told the Manchester Evening News: 'I am sure we will change that, because I will change players next week.

'I only want players who are ready for the fight in the last 12 games.

'I am very angry with a lot of my players, and very disappointed at the performance, because it is impossible to play the way we did.

Down (and out): Manchester City are now 12 points adrift of United in the race for the Premier League title

'We didn't fight for every ball. We can't always win by playing well – that is normal. Sometimes we play well and win, but you also need to be able to win because you fight for every ball, and fight against an opponent who also wants to win the game.

'Every team that plays against us treats it like a Champions League final, but we should know this, it is normal.

'We now have 12 games left, (we) need to do well in the Premier League, and we have the FA Cup – there are games left and we can do better. We need to finish the season the way we did last year.'

Blow: Joe Hart conceded three goals as City were soundly beaten by Southampton on Saturday

Carlos Tevez is expected to return to City this week after a family problem, and Vincent Kompany should also be available again, as will Matija Nastasic and Kolo Toure who were not risked after late returns from international duty.

Mancini branded the fixture demands caused by the international fixtures 'ridiculous' but did not hold his defenders – including midfielder Javi Garcia in a makeshift centre-back role – responsible for the Southampton defeat.

He added: 'The fixtures are ridiculous sometimes, as we played on Saturday and then had six players who came back on Friday, and five who came back Thursday night.

'Sometimes it is impossible. 'Nastasic came back Friday and Kolo came back three or four days ago – plus the last time Javi Garcia played there, he played really, really well.

'On Saturday we played well in defence, but the problem was that we didn't give the defenders any help. They were left to play alone, and we conceded two goals the like of which I have never seen in my life.'